It’s relatively easy to get to Switzerland from the UK by rail. The only snag is a long time-consuming interchange in Paris. If talks between the Swiss and British governments to create a direct rail link from St Pancras International to Geneva are successful, the route will become seamless.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander signed a “landmark” memorandum of understanding to take this initiative forward. The Department of Transport says the move will promote co-operation between the two governments, “building on industry efforts to address the barriers to establishing direct rail services, in particular the need to establish border controls and meet Channel Tunnel safety rules.”
Industry and government experts from both countries will come together to find ways to overcome “commercial and technical barriers” to launching a direct service by 2030.
The current journey from London St Pancras to Switzerland (Geneva, Zurich, Basel, or Lausanne) includes a train change in Paris, and the journey takes around seven and a half hours. If the new plan for a direct train ride goes ahead, the journey will take just five hours.
Eurostar is currently the only operator of high-speed rail services from London to the continent, but there have been challengers, including Virgin, who, if successful, would break the monopoly.
Robert Sinclair, chief executive of London St Pancras Highspeed, said: “We strongly welcome the UK and Swiss governments’ active cooperation to create a sustainable international rail border arrangement between the two countries.
“This exciting announcement brings us one step closer to direct high-speed services between London and Switzerland, building on the preliminary work already undertaken to ensure that station access and routes are in place to make this a reality.
“London St Pancras Highspeed is enabling the growth of international high-speed rail services from London. As well as our ongoing work to expand capacity at St Pancras International, we recently launched a new international growth incentive scheme, which supports the launch of new destinations across Europe, including cities in Switzerland.
Eurostar chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave added: “Eurostar customers can now book their entire journey between London and Geneva, Zurich, Basel or Lausanne via Paris. This is a first step in a wider plan with our partners to grow connections in the greenest way.”
Loganair, a regional airline in the UK, is celebrating a significant milestone this month as it marks 300,000 passengers on services through Heathrow Airport.
Services to Dundee, Kirkwall, Sumburgh, and City of Derry Airport began two years ago, creating links between the country’s busiest international airport and remote communities. This month marks three years since the carrier launched services between the UK’s capital and the Isle of Man.
Loganair surprised its 300,000th customer, Leigh Flynn, 46, from Dundee, with complimentary return tickets to mark the occasion. Leigh, who regularly travels between Dundee and Heathrow for work, typically travels to Reading every quarter and has done so since Loganair launched its Heathrow services in May 2023.
Leigh said: “I live in Dundee, so having a local airport is a real benefit. The service between Dundee and Heathrow is always efficient, and the experience both at the airport and onboard is excellent – I love being able to avoid the long queues at bigger airports, and the complimentary tea and biscuits are a nice touch! I’ve been flying this route every few months for work since it began, and I’m hoping to use the vouchers to treat my mum to a trip to London.”
Luke Lovegrove, chief commercial officer at Loganair, said: “This milestone is a real testament to the importance of regional connectivity and the role our routes to Heathrow play in supporting it. Since the routes launched, we’ve seen strong demand from customers who rely on these direct links for work, travel and family connections. It’s a pleasure to mark the 300,000th passenger with Leigh, and we’re proud to be delivering a service that brings genuine benefits to the communities we serve.”
Joanna Taso, aviation director at Heathrow, said: “We’re proud to mark three successful years of Loganair operations at Heathrow. Since May 2022, the Isle of Man has enjoyed direct connectivity through the UK’s hub airport, with Dundee, Shetland, Orkney and Derry~Londonderry joining the network in 2023.“
With onward connections through Heathrow to over 90 global destinations thanks to Loganair’s codeshare and interline partnerships with major airlines, including British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, the route offers not just a direct link to London but also a gateway to the world.
Passengers flying with Loganair benefit from a 21kg luggage allowance as standard, complimentary refreshments onboard, and a straightforward booking experience via www.loganair.co.uk or through local travel agents.
Earlier this year, Loganair was ranked second in Which?’s annual customer survey of short-haul airlines, achieving a 72% customer score. The airline received a five-star rating for customer service and four stars for booking, boarding, and cleanliness.
In the rolling landscapes of Staffordshire, between Manchester and Birmingham, lies Stoke-on-Trent. Known fondly as “The Potteries,” Stoke is a city built on clay, where the hum of the kiln once echoed down every cobbled street and the craftsmanship of local artisans earned global fame. Home to household names like Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, and Spode, many of these historic brands still operate today.
Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Unlike most cities, Stoke-on-Trent is not a single urban centre but a federation of six distinct towns – Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Fenton, and Longton – each with its own personality and quirks. Hanley is really the city centre, a bustling mix of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, and home to The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.
The borough was only declared a city by King George V during a visit on 5 June 1925. Commemorative events are set to be staged throughout 2025 in the city, which is also undergoing a multi-million-pound regeneration. Honouring the city’s rich history, culture and identity, a Centenary Celebration Weekend will be staged on 7 and 8 June.
Surprisingly, pottery continues to thrive in both traditional and modern forms. Local artisans and independent studios dot the city, offering everything from heritage replicas to avant-garde ceramics. Whether you’re a serious collector or just looking to hand-paint your own mug, there’s something deeply satisfying about taking home a piece of Stoke’s soul in your suitcase.
Emma Bridgewater Factory
Founded in 1985 by Emma Bridgewater, the factory has become synonymous with hand-decorated earthenware. Emma’s vision was to create pottery that was both beautiful and functional, reflecting the rich heritage of British design. Guided factory tours are available where you can watch how skilled artisans transform raw clay into intricately decorated pieces.
Emma Bridgewater
Emma Bridgewater
Emma Bridgewater
But for those eager to unleash their inner artist, the Decorating Studio offers a chance to personalise a piece of pottery. Guests can choose from various items, including mugs, plates, and bowls, to decorate with their own design. Even better, they’ll fire your masterpiece and send it to your home when it’s finished.
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
As the principal museum in the area, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery offers visitors a comprehensive journey through time, showcasing everything from ancient archaeology to contemporary art. The museum’s extensive collection of Staffordshire ceramics is among the finest in the world, highlighting the region’s pivotal role in shaping global pottery trends.
Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
One of the museum’s standout exhibits is the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork ever found. Discovered in 2009, over 80 pieces from the hoard are on permanent display, providing a rare glimpse into the past. Another highlight is a fully restored Supermarine Spitfire aircraft. This iconic WWII fighter plane was designed by R.J. Mitchell who was born nearby.
The Wedgwood Experience
Wedgwood Experience
Wedgwood Experience
A few miles south of the city, in Barlaston, the Wedgwood factory continues to produce some of the world’s most exquisite ceramics, blending traditional methods with modern design innovation. The Visitor Centre offers a comprehensive tour of the factory as well as a delicious afternoon tea served on Wedgewood china.
V&A Wedgwood Collection
V&A Wedgwood Collection
V&A Wedgwood Collection
V&A Wedgwood Collection
The V&A Wedgwood Collection contains over 165,000 objects that span centuries of craftsmanship. Visitors can admire historical pieces, including some of the very first pieces Josiah Wedgwood produced, as well as modern works that continue to push the boundaries of ceramic design. The exhibits also delve into the cultural impact of Wedgwood products, which have influenced art, design, and even politics.
Trentham Gardens
An hour’s walk away is Trentham Gardens. Spanning 725 acres, this award-winning estate offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore meticulously restored gardens and ancient woodlands. Trentham Gardens’ origins are in the 18th century, when the renowned landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown transformed the estate into a serpentine park.
Trentham Gardens
Trentham Gardens
Trentham Gardens
In the 19th century, Sir Charles Barry, the architect behind the Houses of Parliament, introduced Italianate elements to the gardens, creating the formal Italian Garden that remains a highlight today. My visit happily coincides with Trentham’s annual Spring Bulb Festival – over past few years a million bulbs have been planted. It’s an uplifting, immersive, and colourful experience as I walk through the gardens.
Trentham Gardens
Trentham Gardens
Trentham Gardens
Factfile
GO: Stoke-on-Trent is just over 90 minutes from London by train.
Set within the architectural marvel of The Link at One Za’abeel, Culinara Social Dining is set to open its doors in May 2025, cementing its place as a dynamic culinary destination in Dubai. A vibrant dining collective 100 metres above the ground, Culinara brings together a curated line-up of 12 homegrown concepts in one unforgettable setting. More than just a place to eat, Culinara is where people come together to connect over great food and meaningful conversation.
